Bio 102 Chapters 52-56
Examine this food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem. Species C is toxic to predators. Which species is most likely to benefit from being a mimic of C? A. A B. B C. C D. E
B
The term used to describe a harmless organism resembling a harmful one is _____. A. Müllerian mimicry B. aposematic coloration C. cryptic coloration D. warning coloration E. Batesian mimicry
Batesian mimicry
According to the principle of competitive exclusion, two species cannot continue to occupy the same _____. A. ecological niche B. range C. environmental habitat D. territory E. biome
ecological niche
Which of these biomes is characterized by little rainfall? A. temperate broadleaf forest B. coniferous forest C. desert D. temperate grassland E. tropical rain forest
desert
In the figure, what could the jagged arrow leaving microorganisms and other detritivores represent? A. organic compounds broken down by bacteria B. energy consumed by bacteria C. energy lost from a worm during cellular respiration D. CO2 and heat loss from decomposing materials due to the effects of solar radiation and precipitation
energy lost from a worm during cellular respiration
Which trophic level is most vulnerable to extinction? A. producer level B. primary consumer level C. tertiary consumer level D. secondary consumer level
tertiary consumer level
Which of the following causes seasons on Earth? A. the variation or wobble of Earth's tilt during the year B. the variation in proximity of the Earth to the sun at different times of the year C. the constant tilt of the Earth, combined with its orbit around the sun D. the distance between the Earth and the sun in winter versus in the summer
the constant tilt of the Earth, combined with its orbit around the sun
Which biome is characterized by the presence of permafrost? A. taiga B. tropical forest C. tundra D. coniferous forest E. desert
tundra
The main goal of sustainable development is to _____. A. reevaluating and re-implementing management plans over time B. use only natural resources in the construction of new buildings C. use natural resources such that they do not decline over time D. involve more countries in conservation efforts
use natural resources such that they do not decline over time
Food chains are sometimes short because _____. A. predator species tend to be less diverse and less abundant than prey species B. local extinction of a species causes extinction of the other species in its food chain C. only a single species of herbivore feeds on each plant species D. most of the energy in a trophic level is lost as it passes to the next higher level
most of the energy in a trophic level is lost as it passes to the next higher level
Which of the following is the best natural example of a uniform pattern of dispersion? A. bees collecting pollen in a wildflower meadow B. territorial songbirds in a mature forest during mating season C. moss spores floating in the wind to new locations of a forest D. mushrooms growing on the floor of an old growth forest
mushrooms growing on the floor of an old growth forest
Cellulose-digesting microorganisms live in the guts of termites and ruminant mammals. The microorganisms have a home and food, and their hosts gain more nutrition from their meals. This relationship is an example of _____. A. herbivory B. predation C. commensalism D. mutualism E. parasitism
mutualism
Humans who have pets tend to be healthier than humans who do not have pets. Which of these terms applies to the relationship between a human and a pet? A. parasitism B. commensalism C. mutualism D. predation E. competition
mutualism
Resource competition, territoriality, disease, and toxic wastes are some of the factors that provide _____ and help regulate population. A. metapopulations B. population dynamics C. negative feedback D. zero population growth E. positive feedback
negative feedback
Based on the data in the figures, which of the following statements are correct? I) Area 1 would be considered a desert because of its high average temperature. II) Area 1 has more average precipitation than Area 2. III) Area 2 would be considered a desert because of its low average precipitation. IV) Area 2 has a larger annual temperature variation. A. only II, III, and IV B. only II and IV C. only I and III D. only I, II, and IV
only II, III, and IV
Which of the following statements regarding the future of populations in developing, less industrialized countries are correct? I) The reproductive rates are predicted to remain below replacement level. II) Survivorship will increase. III) Overall population size will increase dramatically. IV) The fertility rate is predicted to remain high, especially in some regions. A. only II and IV B. only I, II, and III C. only II, III, and IV D. only I and III
only II, III, and IV
Which of these terms applies to the relationship between a dog and a blood-sucking tick? A. mutualism B. competition C. commensalism D. parasitism E. predation
parasitism
In the models that describe population growth, r stands for _____. A. per capita population growth rate B. total number of individuals in the population C. a time interval D. carrying capacity E. population density
per capita population growth rate
Which of the following processes remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere? A. the burning of fossil fuels B. decomposition C. photosynthesis D. cellular respiration by plants
photosynthesis
Which of the following organisms is correctly paired with its trophic level? A. cyanobacterium: primary consumer B. phytoplankton: primary producer C. grasshopper: secondary consumer D. fungus: primary consumer
phytoplankton: primary producer
Which of these would NOT contribute to a global increase in temperature? A. deforestation B. increasing the use of gasoline-burning vehicles C. increasing the industrial release of carbon dioxide D. planting trees E. increasing the amount of animal life on Earth
planting trees
The symbols +, -, and 0 are used to show the results of interactions between individuals and groups of individuals. The symbol + denotes a positive interaction, - denotes a negative interaction, and 0 denotes interactions in which individuals are not affected. The first symbol refers to the first organism mentioned. What interactions exist between a lion pride and African wild dogs, if the dogs are found to typically avoid areas with lions? A. 0/0 B. +/- C. +/+ D. -/-
+/-
Consider the food chain of grass → grasshopper → mouse → snake → hawk. About how much of the chemical energy fixed by photosynthesis of the grass (100 percent) is available to the hawk? A. 1% B. 0.1% C. 10% D. 0.01%
0.01%
Suppose researchers marked 800 turtles and later were able to trap a total of 300 individuals in that population, of which 150 were marked. What is the estimate for total population size? A. 1,050 B. 200 C. 2,100 D. 1,600
1,600
10,000 kcal of producer could support approximately _____ kcal of tertiary consumer. A. 1,000 B. 100 C. 10 D. 1 E. 0
10
In July 2008, the United States had a population of approximately 302,000,000 people. How many Americans were there in July 2009, if the estimated 2008 growth rate was 0.88%? A. 567,760,000 B. 2,657,600 C. 304,000,000 D. 304,657,600
304,657,600
Approximately _____% of the energy at one trophic level is passed on to the next highest trophic level. A. 0-5 B. 5-10 C. 10-15 D. 15-20 E. 90-100
5-10
In 2008, the population of New Zealand was approximately 4,275,000 people. If the birth rate was 14 births for every 1,000 people, approximately how many births occurred in New Zealand in 2008? A. 140,000 B. 59,850 C. 6,000 D. 42,275
59,850
Starting from a single individual, what is the size of a population of bacteria at the end of a 2-hour time period if they reproduce by binary fission every 20 minutes? (Assume unlimited resources and no mortality.) A. 64 B. 16 C. 128 D. 32
64
Owls eat rats, mice, shrews, and small birds. Assume that, over a period of time, an owl consumes 5,000 J of animal material. The owl loses 2,300 J in feces and owl pellets and uses 2,500 J for cellular respiration. What is the production efficiency of this owl? A. 7.4% B. 2% C. 8% D. 40%
7.4%
Which climograph shows the climate for location 1? A. C B. H C. A D. E
A
Which of the following statements about Hadley cells is true? A. The moisture in cool air condenses into clouds and precipitates because cool air holds more moisture than warm air. B. Warm air expands and rises from the surface of the atmosphere around the poles. C. As warm air rises, air at the top of the atmosphere is pushed poleward and cools. D. Warm air begins to cool as it starts to sink at about 30° North and South latitude.
As warm air rises, air at the top of the atmosphere is pushed poleward and cools
The symbols +, -, and 0 are used to show the results of interactions between individuals and groups of individuals. The symbol + denotes a positive interaction, - denotes a negative interaction, and 0 denotes interactions in which individuals are not affected. The first symbol refers to the first organism mentioned. Which fact is correct when describing species interactions? A. +/0 will always remain such. B. A +/- interaction could shift to +/0 or +/+ over time, depending on other factors such as competition, population density, or environmental changes. C. A -/- interaction benefits both of the species in the relationship. D. Species interactions occur in isolation and cannot affect the structure of ecological communities.
A +/- interaction could shift to +/0 or +/+ over time, depending on other factors such as competition, population density, or environmental changes.
Which of the following examples demonstrate an ecological effect leading to an evolutionary effect? A. A few individuals with denser fur survive the coldest years of an ice age, and the offspring of the reproducing survivors of the ice age will likely have more dense fur. B. Fish that swim the fastest in running water catch the most prey and more easily escape predation. C. The insects that spend the most time exposed to sunlight have the most mutations from UV light, and thus evolve the fastest D. When seeds are not plentiful, trees produce more seeds.
A few individuals with denser fur survive the coldest years of an ice age, and the offspring of the reproducing survivors of the ice age will likely have more dense fur.
Which of the following is true? A. A single mosquito species can transmit only one disease. B. A single mosquito species can transmit more than one disease. C. It is unknown as to whether a single mosquito species can transmit more than one disease. D. Mosquitoes do not transmit diseases.
A single mosquito species can transmit more than one disease.
The discovery of which of the following mosquitoes in Ohio would raise the most concern that Zika will soon be found there? A. Anopheles B. Culex pipiens C. Asian tiger D. Aedes agypti
Aedes agypti
The producers in aquatic ecosystems include organisms in which of the following groups? A. cyanobacteria B. algae C. plants D. photoautotrophs E. All of the above are correct
All of the above are correct.
Which of the following is part of conservation biology? A. evolutionary biology B. molecular biology and genetics C. physiology D. ecology E. All of the choices are correct.
All of the choices are correct.
Which of the following organisms was/were introduced by humans into the United States or its territories? A. brown tree snake B. kudzu C. zebra mussels D. European starling E. All of the choices are correct.
All of the choices are correct.
Examine the climograph for some major North American biomes. Which two factors influence the distribution of organisms, as shown in this climograph? A. The presence of tundra and presence of forested land B. Annual mean temperature and annual mean precipitation C. The presence of broadleaf and presence of coniferous forest
Annual mean temperature and annual mean precipitation
Treehoppers (a type of insect) produce honeydew, which ants use for food. Treehoppers have a major predator, the jumping spider. Researchers hypothesized that the ants would protect the treehoppers from the spiders. In an experiment, researchers followed study plots with ants removed from the system and compared them to a control plot. From the figure, what can you conclude? A. No specific conclusions can be drawn from this figure. B. Ants reduce the numbers of treehoppers. C. Ants eat the honeydew produced by treehoppers. D. Ants do somehow protect the treehoppers from spiders.
Ants do somehow protect the treehoppers from spiders.
Examine this food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem. Which pair of species could be omnivores? A. C and D B. B and C C. C and E D. A and D
C and E
_____ are secondary consumers. A. Producers B. Herbivores C. Plants D. Cows E. Carnivores
Carnivores
Which of the following would likely be most beneficial in the effort to decrease mosquito populations in Latin America? A. Properly disposing of human waste. B. Covering outdoor water containers. C. Growing numerous native flower species around homes. D. Keeping trees neatly trimmed.
Covering outdoor water containers.
In ecological terms, disturbance is an event such as a storm, fire, or human activity that changes a community, removing organisms and altering resource availability. Which of the following statements about the effects of disturbance is correct? A. A healthy community is in an equilibrium state of balance, with few disturbances. B. Disturbances can create patches of different habitats in a community. C. The effects of disturbance on a community are almost always negative.
Disturbances can create patches of different habitats in a community.
What are rain shadows? A. Wet regions on the windward side of mountain ranges. B. Wet regions on the leeward side of mountain ranges. C. Dry regions on the windward side of mountain ranges. D. Dry regions on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
Dry regions on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
Examine this food web for a particular terrestrial ecosystem. Which species is most likely a decomposer on this food web? A. A B. B C. C D. E
E
Which of the following causes Earth's seasons? A. ocean currents B. changes in the Earth's distance from the sun C. vertical air circulation D. global wind patterns E. Earth's tilt on its axis
Earth's tilt on its axis
Why does a vegetarian leave a smaller ecological footprint than an omnivore? A. There is an excess of plant biomass in all terrestrial ecosystems. B. Fewer animals are slaughtered for human consumption. C. Vegetarians need to ingest less chemical energy than omnivores. D. Eating meat is an inefficient way of acquiring photosynthetic productivity.
Eating meat is an inefficient way of acquiring photosynthetic productivity.
Elephants are not the most abundant species in African grasslands, yet they influence community structure. The grasslands contain scattered woody plants, but they are kept in check by the uprooting activities of the elephants. Take away the elephants, and the grasslands are converted to forests or to shrublands. The newly growing forests support fewer species than the previous grasslands. Which of the following statements describes why elephants are the keystone species in this scenario? A. Elephants are the biggest herbivore in this community. B. Elephants help other populations survive by keeping out many of the large African predators. C. Elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance. D. Grazing animals depend upon the elephants to convert forests to grassland.
Elephants exhibit a disproportionate influence on the structure of the community relative to their abundance.
Which of the following is primarily responsible for limiting the number of trophic levels in most ecosystems? A. Decomposers compete with higher-order consumers for nutrients and energy. B. Nutrient cycling rates tend to be limited by decomposition. C. Energy transfer between trophic levels is usually less than 20 percent efficient. D. Many primary and higher-order consumers are opportunistic feeders.
Energy transfer between trophic levels is usually less than 20 percent efficient.
Which location on Earth receives the most solar radiation per unit area? A. Equator B. South Pole. C. North Pole. D. 30° North and South latitude
Equator
Which climograph shows the climate for location 2? A. D B. H C. F D. C
F
True or false? Weather is defined as the prevailing long-term atmospheric conditions in a particular region. A. True B. False
False
If the flow of energy in an arctic ecosystem goes through a simple food chain, perhaps involving humans, starting from phytoplankton to zooplankton to fish to seals to polar bears, then which of the following could be accurate? A. Fish can potentially provide more food for humans than seal meat. B, Polar bears can provide more food for humans than seals can. C. The total biomass of the fish is lower than that of the seals. D. Seal populations are larger than fish populations.
Fish can potentially provide more food for humans than seal meat.
Suppose that 60% of Earth's species became extinct during a mass extinction. If you could survey Earth's biological communities 10,000 years after the end of this mass extinction, which of the following would you most expect to find? A. The number of species would have recovered to pre-extinction levels. B. Species that were well adapted to conditions before the extinction would have survived. C. Net primary production (NPP) would be higher than before the extinction. D. Food webs would show fewer connections and fewer trophic levels than before the extinction
Food webs would show fewer connections and fewer trophic levels than before the extinction.
What is the biological significance of genetic diversity between populations? A. The population that is most fit would survive by competitive exclusion. B. Genes for traits conferring an advantage to local conditions are unlikely. C. Genetic diversity reduces the probability of extinction. D. Diseases and parasites are not spread between separated populations.
Genetic diversity reduces the probability of extinction.
Which of the following best illustrates ecological succession? A. Grass grows on a sand dune, is replaced by shrubs, and then by trees. B. Introduced pheasants increase, and native quail populations disappear. C. Overgrazing causes a nutrient loss from soil. D. Decomposition in soil releases nitrogen that plants can use. E. A mouse eats seeds, and an owl eats the mouse.
Grass grows on a sand dune, is replaced by shrubs, and then by trees.
Ecosystem services include processes that increase the quality of the abiotic environment. Which of the following processes would fall under this category? A. Green plants and phytoplankton produce the oxygen we breathe. B. The presence of dams improves flood control. C. Keystone predators have a marked effect on species diversity. D. Bees, flies, and wasps pollinate many plants.
Green plants and phytoplankton produce the oxygen we breathe.
Which would be a consequence of the removal of predators from a population such as the Trinidadian guppy population? A. Guppies would produce fewer but larger offspring. B. The nitrogen excretion rate would increase. C. Guppy color patterns would change. D. Primary producers such as algae would overgrow. E. Guppy color patterns would change; guppies would produce fewer but larger offspring; the nitrogen excretion rate would increase and the rate of growth of primary producers such as algae would increase.
Guppy color patterns would change; guppies would produce fewer but larger offspring; the nitrogen excretion rate would increase and the rate of growth of primary producers such as algae would increase.
Why is a pathogen generally more virulent in a new habitat? A. Pathogens evolve more efficient forms of reproduction in new environments. B. Hosts in new environments have not had a chance to become resistant to the pathogen through natural selection. C. Intermediate host species are more motile and transport pathogens to new areas. D. New environments are almost always smaller in area so that transmission of pathogens is easily accomplished between hosts.
Hosts in new environments have not had a chance to become resistant to the pathogen through natural selection.
Which of the following assumptions must be made regarding the mark-recapture estimate of population size? I) Marked and unmarked individuals have the same probability of being trapped. II) The marked individuals have thoroughly mixed with the population after being marked. III) No individuals have entered or left the population by immigration or emigration, and no individuals have been added by birth or eliminated by death during the course of the estimate. A. I only B. II only C. I and II only D. I, II, and III
I, II, and III
Loss of biodiversity matters not only with regard to mammals or other vertebrates, but also microbes. Why are microbes worthy of discovery and protection from extinction? A. Microbes may be the most sensitive to the next large extinction event. B. Microbes may produce unique proteins useful in genetic research. C. Microbes are much greater in species number than any other taxa on Earth. D. Microbes play a role in digestion.
Microbes may produce unique proteins useful in genetic research.
Which of the following statements is a likely explanation for why invasive species take over communities into which they have been introduced? A. Invasive species have a higher reproductive potential than native species. B. Invasive species are not held in check by the predators and agents of disease that have always been in place for native species. C. Invasive species come from geographically isolated regions, so when they are introduced to regions where there is more competition, they thrive. D. Invasive species are less efficient than native species in competing for the limited resources of the environment.
Invasive species are not held in check by the predators and agents of disease that have always been in place for native species.
Which statement best describes what ultimately happens to the chemical energy that is consumed but not used to produce new biomass in the process of energy transfer between trophic levels in an ecosystem? A. It is eliminated as feces or is dissipated into space as heat as a result of cellular respiration consistent with the second law of thermodynamics. B. Heat produced by cellular respiration is used by heterotrophs for thermoregulation. C. It is used by organisms to maintain their life processes through the reactions of cellular respiration. D. It is undigested and winds up in the feces and is not passed on to higher trophic levels.
It is eliminated as feces or is dissipated into space as heat as a result of cellular respiration consistent with the second law of thermodynamics
Which statement accurately describes Earth on February 21, a date that falls between the December solstice and the March equinox? A. The Southern Hemisphere experiences its longest day and shortest night of the year. B. In the Northern Hemisphere, there are more daylight hours than hours of darkness, but the difference is not as extreme as on the December solstice. C. Locations in the Southern Hemisphere experience more than 12 hours of daylight. D. Locations in the Northern Hemisphere experience less than 12 hours of darkness.
Locations in the Southern Hemisphere experience more than 12 hours of daylight.
Which of the following statements best describes the interaction between fire and ecosystems? A. Many kinds of plants and plant communities have adapted to frequent fires. B. The likelihood of a wildfire occurring in a given ecosystem is highly predictable over the short term. C. The suppression of forest fires by humans has prevented certain communities, such as grasslands, from reaching their climax stage. D. Chaparral communities have evolved to the extent that they rarely burn.
Many kinds of plants and plant communities have adapted to frequent fires.
Which of the following is the most important assumption for the mark-recapture method to estimate the size of wildlife populations? A. More individuals emigrate from, as opposed to immigrate into, a population. B. Over 50% of the marked individuals were trapped during the recapture phase. C. Marked individuals have the same probability of being recaptured as unmarked individuals during the recapture phase. D. There is a 50:50 ratio of males to females in the population before and after trapping and recapture.
Marked individuals have the same probability of being recaptured as unmarked individuals during the recapture phase.
Matter may be gained by, or lost from, ecosystems. How does this occur? A. Heterotrophs convert heat to energy. B. Photosynthetic organisms convert solar energy to sugars. C. Chemoautotrophic organisms can convert matter to energy. D. Matter can move from one ecosystem to another.
Matter can move from one ecosystem to another.
If trends continue as predicted, which of the following is most likely? A. Mosquito life cycles will stay the same length as they are now. B. Mosquito life cycles will slow down. C. Mosquito life cycles will speed up. D. Mosquito life cycles will speed up in the northern hemisphere but slow down in the southern hemisphere.
Mosquito life cycles will speed up.
Why is a diagram of energy flow from trophic level to trophic level shaped like a pyramid? A. Organisms at each level store most of the energy and pass little on. B. There are more producers than primary consumers, and so on. C. Organisms eventually die. D. Most energy at each level is lost, leaving little for the next. E. Secondary consumers are larger than primary consumers, and so on.
Most energy at each level is lost, leaving little for the next
Erwin and Scott used an insecticidal fog to knock down insects from the top section of a L. seemannii tree. The researchers identified over 900 species of beetles among the individuals that fell. Erwin also projected that this entire tree from top to bottom is host to about 600 arthropod species that are unique to this tree species and not found on any other tree species. There are approximately 50,000 species of tropical trees. Although it could not be entirely accurate, what would be the best way to estimate the total number of arthropod species? A. Add 900 to 600, and then multiply by 50,000. B. Multiply 600 by 50,000. C. Multiply 50,000 by 900. D. Estimate the species density and then multiply by E. 50,000.
Multiply 600 by 50,000.
Which of the following is the most accurate statement on Earth's carrying capacity for humans? A. K is smaller now than it was a thousand years ago. B. The human population is still a long way from K. C. The human population has already exceeded K. D. Our technology has allowed the human population to keep increasing K. E. When it comes to humans, the concept of K is irrelevant.
Our technology has allowed the human population to keep increasing K.
In 1958 federal law restricted the movement of soil and plants from areas where fire ants were established. Why was this law unsuccessful in stopping the spread of fire ant colonies? A. People were unaware of the federal law and, when they moved, transported plants bearing fire ant colonies. B. A single mated queen can be transported without being noticed. C. Many states originally thought to be free of fire ant colonies already had them. D. People were unaware of the federal law and, when they moved, transported plants bearing fire ant colonies; moreover, a single mated queen can be transported without being noticed. E. People were unaware of the federal law and, when they moved, transported plants bearing fire ant colonies; a single mated queen can be transported without being noticed; and many states thought to be free of fire ant colonies already had them.
People were unaware of the federal law and, when they moved, transported plants bearing fire ant colonies; a single mated queen can be transported without being noticed; and many states thought to be free of fire ant colonies already had them.
For mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds, why is the climate drier on the leeward (downwind) side? A. Air masses pushed by the prevailing winds are stopped by mountain ranges and the moisture is used up in the stagnant air masses on the leeward side. B. Deserts create dry conditions on the leeward side of mountain ranges. C. The sun illuminates the leeward side of mountain ranges at a more direct angle, converting to heat energy, which evaporates most of the water present. D. Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving drier air to descend the leeward side.
Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving drier air to descend the leeward side
What does the graph tell you about the effect of a keystone species? A. Removing a keystone species from the community will eventually allow for the invasion of a new species. B. Adding a keystone species to the community will make it more diverse. C. A keystone species has little interaction with other species in an environment. D. Removing a keystone species from the community drastically reduces species richness.
Removing a keystone species from the community drastically reduces species richness.
Which desert is caused by a Hadley cell? A. Desert next to the Rockies. B. Atacama Desert in Chile. C. Patagonian Desert in Argentina. D. Sahara Desert in Africa.
Sahara Desert in Africa.
Based on the climograph, what mainly differentiates temperate grassland from temperate broadleaf forest? A. Temperate grasslands receive more precipitation. B. Temperate broadleaf forests receive more precipitation. C. Temperate grasslands are much warmer. D. Temperate broadleaf forests are much warmer.
Temperate broadleaf forests receive more precipitation.
Which aspects of a region's climate have the most impact on plants and animals? A. Moisture and wind. B. Soil composition and temperature. C. Sunlight and wind. D. Temperature and moisture.
Temperature and moisture.
Which statement regarding the June solstice is true? A. Locations in the Northern Hemisphere experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. B. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. C. Locations in the Southern Hemisphere experience long days and short nights. D. The Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun.
The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun
Which of the following statements best describes why ecologists are currently concerned with global warming and the thawing of permafrost in many areas of the tundra biome? A. Oil and coal deposits will thaw and rise to the surface (due to their lower density) of the tundra, destroying millions of acres of arctic habitat. B. Populations of humans inhabiting the Arctic will have to move to more southern latitudes, resulting in increased competition for resources in already densely populated areas. C. The thawing process will likely decrease the abundance and diversity of soil-dwelling organisms in the tundra. D. Migratory species of birds will likely be less successful finding food in thawed tundra, and their abundance will drop dramatically. E. The bacterial decomposition of thawed organic materials over the widespread areas of the tundra will produce large quantities of CO2, which will add to greenhouse gases and exacerbate global warming.
The bacterial decomposition of thawed organic materials over the widespread areas of the tundra will produce large quantities of CO2, which will add to greenhouse gases and exacerbate global warming.
Tropical forests are being converted to farm or pasture land at an alarming rate, and one major focus is on the biodiversity and the impact to these ecosystems. What is a direct benefit to humans that helps explain why these forests need to be preserved? A. The diversity could contain novel drugs for consumers. B. Natural and undisturbed areas are important wildlife habitats. C. The plant diversity provides shade, which lowers global warming. D. This diversity provides areas for coffee growing.
The diversity could contain novel drugs for consumers.
At what time of year is the intensity of solar radiation striking each of Earth's hemispheres weakest? A. The intensity of solar radiation is weakest in the Southern Hemisphere in June and in the Northern Hemisphere in December. B. The intensity of solar radiation is weakest in the Southern Hemisphere in March and in the Northern Hemisphere in June. C. The intensity of solar radiation is weakest in the Northern Hemisphere in March and in the Southern Hemisphere in September. D. The intensity of solar radiation is weakest in the Northern Hemisphere in June and in the Southern Hemisphere in September.
The intensity of solar radiation is weakest in the Southern Hemisphere in June and in the Northern Hemisphere in December.
As N approaches K for a certain population, which of the following outcomes is predicted by the logistic equation? A. The carrying capacity of the environment will increase. B. The population size will increase exponentially. C. The population growth rate will approach zero. D. The population growth rate will not change.
The population growth rate will approach zero.
Why are experiments that involve transplanting species seldom conducted today? A. The potential range of a transplanted species can never be greater than its actual range. B. The success of the transplant cannot be measured in one researcher's lifetime. C. The transplanted species are often disruptive to their new communities. D. Species transplants still are a popular experimental tool. E. There are no criteria to determine if they are successful.
The transplanted species are often disruptive to their new communities.
How does inefficient transfer of energy among trophic levels result in the typically high endangerment status of many top-level predators? A. Predators are more disease-prone than animals at lower trophic levels. B. Top-level predators are destined to have small populations that are sparsely distributed. C. Top-level predators are more likely to be stricken with parasites. D. Predators have relatively large population sizes.
Top-level predators are destined to have small populations that are sparsely distributed.
Some arctic tundra ecosystems receive as little precipitation as deserts but have much more dense vegetation. What climatic factor might explain this difference? A. Tundra is much cooler than deserts, so less water evaporates during the growing season and the tundra stays more moist. B. Tundra is much warmer than deserts, so less water evaporates during the growing season and the tundra stays more moist. C. Tundra plants are better adapted to dry conditions than desert plants. D. In addition to rain, tundra also receives water in the form of snow.
Tundra is much cooler than deserts, so less water evaporates during the growing season and the tundra stays more moist.
Subtropical plants are commonplace in Land's End, England, whose latitude is the equivalent of Labrador in coastal Canada, where the local flora is instead subarctic. Which statement best explains why this apparent anomaly exists between North America and Europe? A. Labrador receives sunlight of lower duration and intensity than does Land's End. B. Labrador does not get enough rainfall to support the subtropical flora found in Land's End. C. Warm ocean currents interact with England, whereas cold ocean currents interact with Labrador. D. Rainfall fluctuates greatly in England; rainfall is consistently high in Labrador.
Warm ocean currents interact with England, whereas cold ocean currents interact with Labrador.
Which action influences the abiotic components of an organism's environment? A. Interactions with offspring. B. Water pollution. C. Extinction of predators. D. Introduction of exotics
Water pollution.
In Australia, researchers tested the hypothesis that sea urchin abundance limits kelp distribution. Select the evidence that offers the best support for this hypothesis. A. Sea urchins graze on kelp. B. There is an inverse relationship between the abundance of sea urchins and the abundance of kelp. C. When sea urchins were removed from experimental plots, kelp cover increased.
When sea urchins were removed from experimental plots, kelp cover increased.
Caribbean coral reef communities have been strongly influenced by an unknown pathogen that causes white-band disease. How can the effect of white-band disease best be described? A. commensalism B. mutualism C. a cascade event that shifts the entire makeup of the community D. the removal of a keystone species E. Batesian mimicry
a cascade event that shifts the entire makeup of the community
In the figure, imagine that community 4 represents a marine community off the coast of Florida, where overfishing of a particular trophy fish (imagine a species G) for two decades gradually shifted it to resemble community 3. The species that was overfished was likely ________. A. species A, B, C, E, and F B. a keystone species C. a primary producer D. an invasive species
a keystone species
What is a biome? A. a major type of biosphere B. a major type of ecosystem C. a set of similar communities D. a specific set of abiotic factors E. an area with a uniform distribution of organisms and abiotic environmental conditions
a major type of ecosystem
From 1930 to 1939 fire ants spread inland about 60 miles from their point of introduction in Mobile, Alabama. What was the cause of their spread over this distance? A. a natural spread B. airplanes C. being transported along with soil D. being transported along with plants E. dispersion via ship ballast
a natural spread
Which of the following would be considered an example of bioremediation? A. using a bulldozer to regrade a strip mine B. dredging a river bottom to remove contaminated sediments C. adding fertilizer to soil poor in nutrients to increase plant growth D. adding nitrogen-fixing microorganisms to a degraded ecosystem to increase nitrogen availability
adding nitrogen-fixing microorganisms to a degraded ecosystem to increase nitrogen availability
Which of these removes carbon from the atmosphere? A. logging trees B. rabbits C. burning fossil fuels, such as oil D. bobcats E. algae
algae
Which of the following is an example of a population? A. all the plants that live near each other in a forest B. the earthworms that live in a grassland plus the earthworms that live in a forest C. all the coyotes on Earth D. a spider and the fly it is about to eat E. all of the redwood trees that live in a forest
all of the redwood trees that live in a forest
Aquatic nitrate pollution can result in _____. A. algal bloom B. oxygen depletion C. fish kills D. hypoxia E. an algal bloom that, when the algae die and are decomposed by bacteria, leads to hypoxia and the death of fish
an algal bloom that, when the algae die and are decomposed by bacteria, leads to hypoxia and the death of fish
Which of these are the two major sources of nitrate pollution in rivers? A. the burning of fossil fuels by factories and cars B. animal wastes and the burning of fossil fuels by cars C. animal wastes and fertilizers D. fertilizer runoff and the burning of fossil fuels by cars E. animal wastes and the burning of fossil fuels by factories
animal wastes and fertilizers
For most terrestrial ecosystems, pyramids composed of species abundances, biomass, and energy are similar in that they have a broad base and a narrow top. The primary reason for this pattern is that _____. A. biomagnification of toxic materials limits the secondary consumers and top carnivores B. at each step, energy is lost from the system C. top carnivores and secondary consumers have a more general diet than primary producers D. secondary consumers and top carnivores require less energy than producers
at each step, energy is lost from the system
Which of the following types of organisms is likely to have the widest geographic distribution? A. bacteria B. bears C. songbirds D. lizards
bacteria
From 1940 to 1970 fire ants spread through many southern states, sometimes at a rate of 100 miles in a year. What was the cause of their spread over this distance? A. a natural spread B. dispersion via ship ballast C. airplanes D. being transported along with plants E. being transported along with plants and soil
being transported along with plants and soil
Of the choices below, which best describes the effect predation has on the predator/prey organisms involved in the relationship? A. benefit ... harmed B. no effect ... benefit C. benefit ... benefit D. harmed ... harmed E. benefit ... no effect
benefit ... harmed
Which of the following terms includes all of the others? A. biodiversity B. species diversity C. ecosystem diversity D. genetic diversity
biodiversity
Of the following, which is the most inclusive level of organization in nature? A. community B. biosphere C. ecosystem D. population E. cell
biosphere
An ecosystem is unlikely to be limited by the supply of _____ because it is obtained from the air. A. water B. carbon C. phosphorus D. calcium E. nitrogen
carbon
What element is found in all organic compounds? A. carbon B. oxygen C. helium D. iron E. nitrogen
carbon
Plants obtain carbon from _____. A. water B. carbon dioxide C. sugar D. oxygen E. glucose
carbon dioxide
Where do plants get the carbon they use to make organic molecules? A. glucose B. oxygen C. water D. starch E. carbon dioxide
carbon dioxide
The number of individuals that a particular habitat can support with no degradation of that habitat is called _____. A. carrying capacity B. biotic potential C. niche D. survivorship E. community
carrying capacity
Which of the following is an example of a commensalism? A. bacteria fixing nitrogen on the roots of some plants B. fungi residing in plant roots, such as endomycorrhizae C. cattle egrets eating insects stirred up by grazing bison D. rancher ants that protect aphids in exchange for sugar-rich honeydew
cattle egrets eating insects stirred up by grazing bison
In wild populations, individuals most often show a _____ pattern of dispersion. A. random B. clumped C. equilibrium D. uniform E. density-dependent
clumped
An egret eats insects stirred up by grazing animals. Which of these terms applies to the relationship between the egret and the grazing animal? A. predation B. mutualism C. competition D. commensalism E. parasitism
commensalism
Some birds follow moving swarms of army ants in the tropics. As the ants march along the forest floor hunting insects and small vertebrates, birds follow and pick off any insects or small vertebrates that fly or jump out of the way of the ants. This situation is an example of what kind of species interaction between the birds and the ants? A. commensalism B. consumption C. parasitism D. mutualism
commensalism
Humans and sharks both eat fish. Which of these terms applies to the relationship between the human and the shark? A. mutualism B. parasitism C. commensalism D. competition E. predation
competition
Which of the following causes populations to shift most quickly from an exponential to a logistic population growth? A. competition for resources B. favorable climatic conditions C. decreased death rate D. removal of predators
competition for resources
Uniform spacing patterns in plants such as the creosote bush are most often associated with _____. A. the concentration of nutrients within the population's range B. patterns of high humidity C. the random distribution of seeds D. competitive interaction between individuals of the same population
competitive interaction between individuals of the same population
Which of these is the largest terrestrial biome on Earth? A. tundra B. coniferous forest C. temperate broadleaf forest D. temperate grassland E. desert
coniferous forest
Two plant species live in the same biome but on different continents. Although the two species are not at all closely related, they may appear quite similar as a result of _____. A. introgression B. allopatric speciation C. convergent evolution D. gene flow
convergent evolution
Detritus is composed of _____. A. detritivores B. dead organic matter C. inorganic minerals D. excreted wastes E. dead organic matter and excreted wastes
dead organic matter and excreted wastes
What name is given to the process by which detritivores return carbon to the atmosphere? A. burning B. predation C. photosynthesis D. predation and photosynthesis E. decomposition
decomposition
If the sun were to suddenly stop providing energy to Earth, most ecosystems would eventually vanish. Which of the following ecosystems would likely survive the longest after this hypothetical disaster? A. pelagic ocean B. deep benthic ocean C. a desert spring D. tundra
deep benthic ocean
An ecologist recorded 12 white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, per square kilometer (km2) in one woodlot and 20 km2 in another woodlot. What was the ecologist comparing? A. range B. dispersion C. carrying capacity D. density
density
Generally speaking, deserts are located in places where air masses are usually ________. A. descending B. at the start of trade winds C. ascending D. tropical
descending
Which of the following biomes spans the largest annual mean temperature range, but the narrowest mean precipitation range? A. taiga B. temperate forest C. desert D. tropical forest
desert
If two species are close competitors, and one species is experimentally removed from the community, the remaining species would be expected to _____. A. expand its realized niche B. become the target of specialized parasites C. decline in abundance D. change its fundamental niche
expand its realized niche
Which of these provides your body with energy? A. minerals B. fats C. oxygen D. vitamins E. light
fats
Which of the following is regarded as a density-independent factor in the growth of natural populations? A. interspecific competition B. emigration C. intraspecific competition D. flooding E. predation
flooding
On a global scale, energy _____ ecosystems whereas chemical elements _____ ecosystems. A. is biologically magnified in ... are recycled in B. is dissipated in ... flow through C. flows through ... are recycled in D. is continuously supplied to ... are continuously removed from E. is recycled in ... flow through
flows through ... are recycled in
Consider the global water cycle depicted in the figure. Where is the greatest flux of water from one reserve to another? A. from runoff in streams and the water table to the ocean B. from precipitation to the ocean C. from evaporation and transpiration of terrestrial vegetation to the atmosphere D. from the ocean to the atmosphere
from the ocean to the atmosphere
If all individuals in the last remaining population of a particular frog species were all highly related, which type of diversity would be of greatest concern when planning to prevent the species from going extinct? A. local diversity B. ecosystem diversity C. global diversity D. genetic diversity
genetic diversity
A broad-based pyramid-shaped age structure is characteristic of a population that is _____. A. stable B. shrinking C. growing rapidly D. limited by density-dependent factors E. at carrying capacity
growing rapidly
During exponential growth, a population always ________. A. loses some individuals to emigration B. quickly reaches its carrying capacity C. adds more new individuals when the population is D. small than when it is large E. grows at its maximum per capita rate
grows at its maximum per capita rate
The single greatest current threat to biodiversity is _____. A. habitat destruction B. reduced genetic variability C. overexploitation D. introduced species E. global warming
habitat destruction
The human impact that scientists determined has caused the most extinctions on record is ________, and beyond further losses from this impact, the other impact with the largest potential to cause future extinctions is ________. A. climate change; habitat loss B. introduced species; habitat loss C. habitat loss; climate change D. habitat loss; overharvesting
habitat loss; climate change
Which of the following terms encompasses all of the others? A. heterotrophs B. carnivores C. herbivores D. primary consumers
heterotrophs
Which of the following observations provides the best evidence of a biodiversity crisis? A. high rate of extinction B. climate change C. the incursion of a non-native species D. increasing pollution levels
high rate of extinction
Which of the following might be an investigation of microclimate? A. competitive interactions among various species of songbirds during spring migration B. how sunlight intensity affects plant community composition in the zone where a forest transitions into a meadow C. the seasonal population fluctuation of nurse sharks in coral reef communities D. the effect of ambient temperature on the onset of caribou migration
how sunlight intensity affects plant community composition in the zone where a forest transitions into a meadow
Why does the U.S. population continue to grow even though the United States has essentially established a zero population growth (ZPG)? A. the 2007-2009 economic recession B. emigration C. immigration D. baby boomer reproduction
immigration
When climbing a mountain, we can observe transitions in biological communities that are analogous to the changes _____. A. in biomes at different latitudes B. in an ecosystem as it evolves over time C. in a community through different seasons D. across the United States from east to west
in biomes at different latitudes
The formation of a wide, deep canyon causes a very large, genetically diverse plant population to split into two populations. The resulting populations are genetically similar to each other, and both are large (though smaller than the original population). Little gene flow occurs between these populations, and environmental conditions differ on the two sides of the canyon. Under these conditions, genetic differences between these populations are most likely to A. decrease over time as natural selection favors different alleles in each population. B. decrease over time due to decreased gene flow between the populations. C. increase over time as natural selection favors different alleles in each population. D. increase over time due to increased gene flow between the populations.
increase over time as natural selection favors different alleles in each population.
Which of the following criteria have to be met for a species to qualify as invasive? A. endemic to the area, spreads rapidly, and displaces foreign species B. introduced to a new area, spreads rapidly, and displaces other invasive species C. introduced to a new area, spreads rapidly, and displaces native species D. endemic to the area, spreads slowly, and displaces native species
introduced to a new area, spreads rapidly, and displaces native species
Which of the following investigations is an example of the study of an abiotic factor? A. investigating how the amount of annual precipitation affects the distribution of a tree species investigating how an elk population competes for food B. the relationship between finch beak size and food availability on two different Galapagos Islands C. identifying food sources for an egret population D. observing interactions among various organisms in a rainforest canopy
investigating how the amount of annual precipitation affects the distribution of a tree species
An organism's "trophic level" refers to _____. A. where it lives B. its food source C. the intensity of its competition with other species D. the rate at which it uses energy E. whether it is early or late in ecological succession
its food source
Which of the following areas of study focuses on the exchange of energy, organisms, and materials between ecosystems? A. population ecology B. landscape ecology C. community ecology D. ecosystem ecology E. organismal ecology
landscape ecology
Overharvesting encourages extinction and is most likely to affect ________. A. large animals with low intrinsic reproductive rates B. animals that occupy a broad ecological niche C. most organisms that live in the oceans' coral reefs D. edge-adapted species
large animals with low intrinsic reproductive rates
Plants use _____ as a source of energy. A. minerals B. fats C. oxygen D. vitamins E. light
light
Where do plants get the energy to make organic molecules? A. minerals B. glucose C. vitamins D. light E. water
light
Which one of the following correctly ranks these organisms in order from lowest to highest percent in production efficiency? A. fish, insects, mammals B. mammals, fish, insects C. mammals, insects, fish D. insects, fish, mammals
mammals, fish, insects
Which of these is NOT an organic molecule? A. carbohydrates B. minerals C. proteins D. glucose E. lipids
minerals
According to the logistic growth equation, dNdt=rN(K−N)K, ________. A. the population grows exponentially when K is small B. the per capita growth rate (r) increases as N approaches K C. population growth is zero when N equals K D. the number of individuals added per unit time is greatest when N is close to zero
population growth is zero when N equals K
A human eats a deer. Which of these terms applies to the relationship between the human and the deer? A. commensalism B. competition C. mutualism D. predation E. parasitism
predation
Keystone predators can maintain species diversity in a community if they _____. A. prey only on the least abundant species in the community B. allow immigration of other predators C. prey on the community's dominant species D. competitively exclude other predators
prey on the community's dominant species
In the ecosystem figure, which unit of the food web has the potential to lose the most energy as heat? A. primary producers B. microorganisms and other detritivores C. secondary and tertiary consumers D. primary consumers
primary producers
The relationship between biomass and primary productivity is that _____. A. biomass is the rate of primary productivity B. biomass is the inverse of primary productivity C. biomass is the natural log of primary productivity D. primary productivity is the inverse of biomass E. primary productivity is the rate at which biomass is produced
primary productivity is the rate at which biomass is produced
To recycle nutrients, an ecosystem must have, at a minimum, _____. A. producers B. producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers C. producers, primary consumers, and decomposers D. producers and decomposers
producers and decomposers
Which of the following groups would be most likely to exhibit uniform dispersion? A. cattails, which grow primarily at edges of lakes and streams B. dwarf mistletoes, which parasitize particular species of forest tree C. red squirrels, who actively defend territories D. lake trout, which seek out cold, deep water high in dissolved oxygen
red squirrels, who actively defend territories
In contrast to bioremediation, which is a strategy for _____, biological augmentation _____ a degraded ecosystem. A. adding new species to control problem species...adds fertilizer to nutrient-poor soils in removing harmful substances...uses organisms to add essential materials to B. eradicating a crippling disease in a keystone species...involves planting fruit- and grain-bearing crops to provide more forage in C. using organisms to add essential materials ... removes harmful substances from D. replacing extirpated species... removes man-created pollutants and toxins from
removing harmful substances...uses organisms to add essential materials to
The discipline that applies ecological principles to returning degraded ecosystems to a more natural state is known as _____. A. conservation ecology B. resource conservation C. landscape ecology D. restoration ecology
restoration ecology
The first step in ecosystem restoration is to _____. A. remove competitive invasive species B. restore native species that have been extirpated due to disturbance C. remove toxic pollutants D. restore the physical structure
restore the physical structure
The goal of restoration ecology is to ________. A. replace a ruined ecosystem with a more suitable ecosystem for that area B. prevent further degradation by protecting an area with park status C. return degraded ecosystems to a more natural state D. manage competition among species in human-altered ecosystems
return degraded ecosystems to a more natural state
Which of the biomes—tundra, coniferous forest, temperate broadleaf forest, temperate grassland, savanna, chaparral, desert, tropical rainforest—require periodic fires to maintain their existence? A. tropical forest, savanna, chaparral, temperate grassland, and coniferous forest B. savanna, desert, chaparral, temperate grassland, and temperate broadleaf forest C. savanna, chaparral, temperate grassland, tundra, and coniferous forest D. savanna and chaparral E. savanna, chaparral, temperate grassland, and coniferous forest
savanna, chaparral, temperate grassland, and coniferous forest
Consider this segment of a food web: Snails and grasshoppers eat pepper plants; spiders eat grasshoppers; shrews eat snails and spiders; owls eat shrews. The shrew occupies the trophic level(s) of _____. A. primary consumer only B. secondary consumer only C. tertiary consumer only D. primary and secondary consumers E. secondary and tertiary consumers
secondary and tertiary consumers
East of the Mississippi River, in Hopkinsville Kentucky, the mean annual precipitation is 130 cm. The mean annual temperature is 14.3°C. In the winter, the mean temperature is 7.3°C, while in summer it is 20.6°C. Using the climograph shown here, how would we classify the biome found in Hopkinsville? A. temperate broadleaf forest B. temperate rainforest C. shrubland during the winter, temperate forest during the summer D. temperate forest during the winter, tropical seasonal forest during the summer E. Biomes are not defined by annual values. It really depends on what season you're in.
temperate broadleaf forest
If global warming continues at its present rate, which biomes will likely take the place of the coniferous forest (taiga)? A. desert and chaparral B. tropical forest and savanna C. temperate broadleaf forest and grassland D. chaparral and temperate broadleaf forest
temperate broadleaf forest and grassland
Techniques used, or are being considered for use, in controlling the spread of fire ants include _____. A. setting baits that kill the queen when they are carried back to the nest B. applying chemical powders that kill the colony C. introducing a protist to infect the fire ant queen and her eggs D. introducing a fly that lays eggs in fire ants so that the eggs will hatch into larvae that eat their way into the ants' heads, which will then fall off E. setting baits that kill the queen when they are carried back to the nest, applying chemical powders that kill the colony, introducing a protist to infect the fire ant queen and her eggs, and introducing a fly that lays eggs in fire ants so that the eggs will hatch into larvae that eat their way into the ants' heads, which will then fall off
setting baits that kill the queen when they are carried back to the nest, applying chemical powders that kill the colony, introducing a protist to infect the fire ant queen and her eggs, and introducing a fly that lays eggs in fire ants so that the eggs will hatch into larvae that eat their way into the ants' heads, which will then fall off
The main reason polar regions are cooler than the equator is that ________. A. solar radiation strikes the poles at a lower angle and travels through more atmosphere B. the poles are farther from the sun than is the equator C. the poles are permanently tilted away from the sun D. the polar atmosphere is thinner and contains fewer greenhouse gases
solar radiation strikes the poles at a lower angle and travels through more atmosphere
Generalized global air circulation and precipitation patterns are caused by ________. A. solar radiation that warms moist air masses near the equator, which then cool and release precipitation as they rise, and then, at high altitude, move north or south of the tropics and sink back to the surface as dry air masses B. air masses that are dried and heated over continental areas, which then rise, cool aloft, and descend over oceanic areas, followed by a return flow of moist air from ocean to land, delivering high amounts of precipitation to coastal areas C. solar radiation that warms dry air masses at the poles, causing them to sink toward the tropics, gain moisture, and then release it as precipitation. D. polar, cool, moist, high-pressure air masses from the poles that move along the surface, releasing precipitation along the way to the equator, where they are heated and dried
solar radiation that warms moist air masses near the equator, which then cool and release precipitation as they rise, and then, at high altitude, move north or south of the tropics and sink back to the surface as dry air masses
Switching from fossil fuels to _____ energy would significantly decrease the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. A. solar B. nuclear C. geothermal D. solar and geothermal E. solar, nuclear, and geothermal
solar, nuclear, and geothermal
In mountainous areas of western North America, north-facing slopes would be expected to _____. A. support biological communities similar to those found at lower elevations on similar south-facing slopes B. support biological communities similar to those found at higher elevations on similar south-facing slopes C. receive more sunlight than similar southern exposures D. be warmer and drier than comparable southern exposed slopes
support biological communities similar to those found at higher elevations on similar south-facing slopes
The effort to develop, manage, and conserve Earth's resources to meet the needs of people today without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their needs is called _____. A. bioremediation B. biophilia C. restoration ecology D. landscape management E. sustainable development
sustainable development
What are the two major factors determining the distribution of terrestrial biomes? A. temperature and light B. temperature and rainfall C. light and rainfall D. plants and animals E. temperature and plants
temperature and rainfall
Burning fossil fuels releases oxides of sulfur and nitrogen. These air pollutants can be responsible for ________. A. the death of fish in lakes B. global temperature decrease C. precipitation with a pH as high as 8.0 D. eutrophication of lakes
the death of fish in lakes
Imagine some cosmic catastrophe jolts Earth so that its axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane between Earth and the sun. The most obvious effect of this change would be ________. A. an increase in the length of a year B. the elimination of seasonal variation C. the elimination of tides D. a decrease in temperature at the equator
the elimination of seasonal variation
Which of the following has the greatest effect on the rate of chemical cycling within an ecosystem? A. the secondary production efficiency of the ecosystem's consumers B. the rate of decomposition in the ecosystem C. the ecosystem's rate of primary production D. the trophic efficiency of the ecosystem
the rate of decomposition in the ecosystem
To determine the density of a rabbit population, you would need to know the number of rabbits and _____. A. their pattern of dispersion B. the birth rate C. the factors that limit population growth for that rabbit population D. the growth rate of the population E. the size of the area in which they live
the size of the area in which they live
The energy for nearly every organism in nearly every ecosystem ultimately comes from _____. A. minerals in the soil B. the sun C. heat from Earth D. respiration E. decomposition
the sun
Which biome is characterized by an extensive canopy that allows little light to penetrate to the ground and by the presence of epiphytes? A. temperate grassland B. coniferous forest C. tropical rain forest D. desert E. tundra
tropical rain forest
In creating global climate patterns, which of the following factors is the primary cause of all of the other factors that are listed? A. variation in the heating of Earth's surface B. precipitation differences between tropical and polar regions C. global wind patterns D. global ocean currents
variation in the heating of Earth's surface
Which of the following is an important feature of most terrestrial biomes? A. vegetation demonstrating vertical layering B. annual average rainfall in excess of 250 centimeters C. a distribution predicted almost entirely by rock and soil patterns D. clear boundaries between adjacent biomes
vegetation demonstrating vertical layering
Which of the following disease-causing organisms is most similar to that which causes Zika? A. nematode that causes onchocerciasis B. protozoan that causes malaria C. bacterium that causes Lyme disease D. virus that causes HIV
virus that causes HIV
In most cases, the two major climatic factors affecting the distribution of organisms in terrestrial ecosystems are _____. A. temperature and sunlight B. water and temperature C. competitors and predators D. wind and water E. predators and parasites
water and temperature
Of the following ecosystem types, which have been impacted the most by humans? A. taiga and second-growth forests B. wetland and riparian C. tundra and arctic D. desert and high alpine
wetland and riparian
Keystone species are those species _____. A. with the largest number of individuals in a community B. that have the most biomass in the community C. that live primarily on or under rocks and stones D. whose absence would cause major disruption in a community E. that provide important foods and medicines
whose absence would cause major disruption in a community
If the direction of Earth's rotation reversed, the most predictable effect would be ________. A. winds blowing from west to east along the equator B. the elimination of ocean currents C. an elimination of deserts and increase in tropics D. a loss of seasonal variation at high latitudes
winds blowing from west to east along the equator
If you conclude that vegetation at every point on Earth exactly resembles the predicted biome distribution in a climograph, then ________. A. you are ignoring the fact that local differences in soil, elevation, or topography can result in considerably different plant communities that are embedded within named biomes B. you are ignoring human land use changes or impacts, which have highly altered many regions within biomes C. the biome spanning the smallest combined ranges in precipitation and temperature is the tundra D. the biome most sensitive (in danger) from global warming is the desert
you are ignoring the fact that local differences in soil, elevation, or topography can result in considerably different plant communities that are embedded within named biomes
